His notes EUR The European Central Bank (ECB) presented on Thursday (23/7) new plans for the next series of banknotes.
These design proposals are based on two different themes: The «European culture» and «Rivers and birds» and the relevant patterns chosen for their illustration.
«They will strengthen our common identity»
«Euro banknotes are more than a means of payment – it is one of Europe's most tangible expressions»Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, said. «Through projects that combine beauty and meaning, they will enhance our common identity» comment.
The patterns of «European culture»
(c) 2026 European Central Bank
The proposals qualified are the result of a design competition at European Union level. Over 1,200 requests were received from graphic designers, 25 of whom were invited to create design proposals for one or both topics. An independent jury consisting of 21 experts in different areas was appointed by a Eurozone central bank and then selected 10 design proposals.
Now, every member of Europe can express its opinion after the Governing Council of the ECB has decided to conduct an online investigation into these 10 design proposals. The public investigation will remain open until 21 September 2026.
A separate survey with the same questions will be conducted alongside an independent research firm in a representative sample of euro area citizens.
The presentation of the new notes
2026 European Central Bank
The Board is expected to make the final decision on the new plan around the end of 2026.
The first full redesign of the notes since 2002
The selected plan will be tested before being put into production. The banknotes in the new series are expected to enter into circulation in the coming years. The euro banknotes of the previous series will retain their value and continue to circulate alongside the new series. This will be the first full redesign of the notes since 2002.
Drawings with patterns «Rivers and Birds
2026 European Central Bank
«Redesigning euro banknotes is part of a long-term Eurosystem effort to ensure that cash remains a safe, effective and affordable means of payment, maintaining public money access and freedom to choose how to pay», said Piero Cipollone, a member of the Executive Board of the ECB.
New banknotes will incorporate new and improved security features to improve identity control and accessibility, even for visually impaired persons.
The ECB also aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the notes, strengthening their resilience and using more sustainable materials and production processes.
